EdTech Books by Monica Burns

I can’t wait for you to check out my books! All are available in paperback and eBook format.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn about my self-paced courses.

Questions about bulk purchases for books or courses? Interested in a book signing at your next event or to use my self-paced courses for hybrid PD? Send requests to: info@classtechtips.com

Note: The links below are Amazon affiliate links which helps keep ClassTechTips.com up and running!

Tasks Before Apps: Designing Rigorous Learning in a Tech-Rich Classroom

With such a dizzying array of mechanical and virtual help at our disposal, it can be a challenge for educators to know where to start. Educator and technology consultant Monica Burns can relate. Monica wrote this book to share strategies, tools, and insights that teachers can use, regardless of subject or grade level. Monica will teach you to effectively incorporate technology in the classroom focusing on the “three Cs” of technology implementation—creation, curiosity, and collaboration.

Tasks Before Apps offers K–12 teachers:

Detailed advice and copious examples of tech-infused lessons that help students meet learning goals while also developing vital digital citizenship skills.

Recommendations for and links to apps and online resources that can facilitate and energize learning.

Reflection and brainstorming questions for use in book clubs and PLC discussions.

Between content-hosting websites, video conferencing apps, grade- or subject-focused social media accounts, knowing how to navigate technology wisely is essential for both teachers and students. Whether you are a novice or a veteran, teach kindergarten students or high school seniors, this book is an indispensable guide to learn how to communicate effectively.

Teach your students to communicate on posts and message boards, locate credible information on search engines, and select efficient, cost-effective equipment furthering academic skills, social development, and digital aptitude in the classroom.

Praise for Tasks Before Apps:

“Monica Burns is one of the leading authorities on the effective use of educational technology. Her latest book does not disappoint, as she compels educators to be more purposeful when it comes to digital tasks. She skillfully leads readers through a thoughtful process that emphasizes a doctrine of pedagogy first, technology second. If you want to get more out of technology, then this book is for you.” —Eric Sheninger, Senior Fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education

“Whether you are eager to integrate even more digital tools or are feeling over- whelmed by all the apps and options, Monica Burns is here with practical, classroom- tested advice. In Tasks Before Apps, she wisely keeps the focus on learning goals while showing us how tech tools can scaffold and strengthen students’ curiosity, collaboration, and creative potential.” —Suzie Boss, author of Reinventing Project-Based Learning, Real-World Projects, and Bringing Innovation to School

Click here to order Tasks Before Apps: Designing Rigorous Learning in a Tech-Rich Classroom

The forces of technology and formative assessment combined! Formative assessment is a must for educators, but it can be difficult to juggle with all the demands on a busy teacher’s to-do list. #FormativeTech shows how technology tools can energize teacher practice by providing easy ways to implement formative assessment every day. In #FormativeTech, you’ll find:

Practical tips to use #FormativeTech with the whole class, small groups, and individual students

Ideas for assessing project-based and inquiry-based approached

How to evaluate data and communicate results with families

In this book you’ll find tips to make formative assessment meaningful, sustainable, and scalable.

Praise for #FormativeTech:

“This book is an ideal read for educators looking to grow more agile in their use of data to individualize and personalize instruction.” — Dr. Robert Dillon, Director of Innovative Learning“#FormativeTech is approachable and full of ‘use it on Monday’ ideas. I can’t wait to share this with my colleagues!” — Jennie Magiera, Educator and Author, Courageous Edventures

Click here to order #FormativeTech: Meaningful, Sustainable, and Scalable Formative Assessment With Technology

Taming the Wild Text: Literacy Strategies for Today’s Reader

Taming the Wild Text: Literacy Strategies for Today’s Reader provides teachers with the best practices for teaching reading to 21st century students. This resource guides teachers in how to meet the changing needs of today’s readers while still meeting today’s rigorous standards. The big ideas and actionable lessons can be tailored to different grade levels, different types of devices, and different technology plans. Students are reading multiple genres on multiple platforms, and this resource emphasizes integrating technology and finding a balance in the literacy classroom between print and digital texts.

Each chapter is devoted to helping students develop the Five Habits for Reading: reading widely, reading critically, reading deeply, reading closely, and reading purposefully will enable students to tackle texts across all genres and platforms. Each section provides descriptions of key reading skills and strategies that teachers need to introduce and practice in their classrooms, and these strategies are closely tied to today’s college and career readiness standards. By providing structures and techniques that support the growing reader, teachers can launch their students into the world of 21st century reading.

Discover scannable technology and how to use it in your classroom, including QR codes and augmented reality. An easy read packed with useful information, examples, and exercises to create engaging and differentiated learning experiences with QR codes and augmented reality, this handbook is a resource for educators and administrators. Through Monica’s ACES Framework, teachers learn how to create learning experiences that focus on educational value rather than technological “wow” factor.

What if your students’ mobile devices became an instructional asset rather than a distraction? Discover how free, scannable technology can enrich learning, while captivating students. Best of all, these technologies are easy to quickly implement within your classroom.

Leverage technology to connect classroom activities with students’ families and the broader community

Praise for Deeper Learning With QR Codes and Augmented Reality:

“This is a book that you will not want to put down. I found the examples and suggestions so exciting that I wanted to try them out immediately. At the same time, I couldn’t wait to see what valuable prompts for learning the next page turn would reveal. This is an easy read packed with practical applications.” –Debra Las, Science Teacher

“Monica Burns provides educators with simple, practical ideas for integrating QR and AR in the classroom. As AR, QR, and VR continue to play a bigger role in education, this book is a great starting point for teachers who want to integrate engaging, powerful tools and strategies in their classrooms.” –Zachary Walker, Professor and Educational Consultant

Click here to order Deeper Learning With QR Codes and Augmented Reality: A Scannable Solution for Your Classroom.

Description:

In this self-paced course you’ll learn how to take your current practice to the next level to create interactive learning experiences that transform students into creators while honoring their curiosity and providing opportunities for collaboration.

Objectives:

After completing this course you will be able to:

Design engaging, purposeful learning activities with technology

Create opportunities to check for understanding with the digital tools in your classroom

Turn students into content creators

Connect students to authentic audiences

Get started with virtual reality

Use technology to differentiate instruction

What you’ll get…

Access to four modules of content including:

8 how-to videos

4 audio podcasts

Downloadables like graphic organizers, posters + more

Curated resources like lesson plans, collections + more

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

After completion of this course, you will receive a digital badge that recognizes 10 hours, which may be used toward renewal credits per your school/district process. You may want to get approval before you sign up. We have a certificate we can generate for you upon request – other teachers have used this for PD credit at their school, but every school is a bit different with their policy.

Who this course is for…

Educators with access to any type of technology: Chromebooks, iPads, PCs, Macs, or even just a cell phone in their pocket

What people are saying…

Here’s a quote from Laurie Prewandowski, District Technology Integrator, New Hampshire who signed up for the course in July: “Tasks Before Apps” is the mantra of the EdTech Reboot course for Energizing your Classroom Instruction and it delivers! Each lesson begins with a review of sound pedagogy before technology tools are even introduced. The lesson ends with participants practicing with innovative technology tools to enhance and energize instruction. There is something for every teacher whether strong in technology or just a beginner.

Free Stuff from Monica

Categories

My Books on Amazon (affiliate links)

About Class Tech Tips

ClassTechTips.com was created by Dr. Monica Burns, a former classroom teacher, speaker and author. She shares her favorite EdTech resources for PreK-20 educators so they can make the most of the technology in their school. On this site you’ll find a roundup of Monica’s tips and strategies for leveraging the power of digital tools to empower learners of all ages. Whether you’re in a classroom full of Chromebooks, iPads, interactive whiteboards, or smartphones, this ClassTechTips.com has resources to help you make the most of the technology in the hands of students!